Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Domestics and Exotic Animals in Southern France

Since late 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a significant global threat to public health. Responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, this new coronavirus has prompted extensive scientific research to comprehend its transmission dynamics, especially among humans. However, as our understanding deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that SARS-CoV-2's impact goes beyond human populations. Recent investigations have illuminated the transmission of the virus between humans and various animal species, raising important questions about zoonotic spillover events and their potential implications for both human and animal health. Our study set out to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals (dogs and cats) and zoo animals in the south of France in 2021 and 2022, covering pre-Omicron and Omicron waves. We identified evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies not only in domestic dogs and cats but also in several mammals in zoos. This study shows the importance of implementing surveillance measures, including serological studies, to identify and monitor cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals.

Systematic review of response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been well characterised and codified through the development of diagnostic criteria. These criteria have been adapted and simplified and are widely used in clinical practice. However, there is a need to update and precisely define the criteria for both treatment response and treatment.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed and a modified Delphi consensus process was used to identify and redefine the response criteria in autoimmune hepatitis.

RESULTS

The consensus process initiated by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group proposes that the term 'complete biochemical response' defined as 'normalization of serum transaminases and IgG below the upper limit of normal' be adopted to include a time point at 6 months after initiation of treatment. An insufficient response by 6 months was a failure to meet the above definition. Non-response was defined as '<50% decrease of serum transaminases within 4 weeks after initiation of treatment'. Remission is defined as liver histology with a Hepatitis Activity Index <4/18. Intolerance to treatment was agreed to stand for 'any adverse event possibly related to treatment leading to potential drug discontinuation'.

CONCLUSIONS

These definitions provide a simple and reproducible framework to define treatment response and non-response, irrespective of the therapeutic intervention. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable inter-study comparisons. Future prospective database studies are needed to validate these endpoints.

LAY SUMMARY

Consensus among international experts on response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis is lacking. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable the comparison of results between clinical trials. Therefore, the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) herein presents a statement on 5 agreed response criteria and endpoints: complete biochemical response, insufficient response, non-response, remission, and intolerance to treatment, which can be used to guide future reporting.

Effect of antimony in soils of an Sb mine on the photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant system of Dittrichia viscosa leaves

Antimony is a toxic element whose concentration in soil and water has been rising due to anthropogenic activities. This study focuses on its accumulation in leaves of Dittrichia viscosa growing in soils of an abandoned Sb mine, and the effect on oxidant/antioxidant systems and photosynthetic efficiency. The results showed leaves to have a high Sb accumulation capacity. The amount of total chlorophyll decreased depending on Sb concentration and of carotenoids increased slightly, with a consequent increase in carotenoid/chlorophyll ratio. Photosynthetic efficiency was unaffected. The amount of O ₂ ^.- rose, although there was no increase in cell membrane damage, with lipid peroxidation levels being similar to normal. This response may be due to considerable increases that were observed in total phenolics, PPO activity, and enzymatic antioxidant system. SOD, POX, and DHAR activities increased in response to increased Sb amounts in leaves. The ascorbate/glutathione cycle was also affected, with strong increases observed in all of its components, and consequent increases in total contents of the ascorbate and glutathione pools. However, the ratio between reduced and oxidized forms declined, reflecting an imbalance between the two, especially that between GSH and GSSG. Efficient detoxification of Sb may take place either through increases in phenolics, carotenoids, and components of the glutathione-ascorbate cycle or through the enzymatic antioxidant system. Since Dittrichia viscosa accumulates large amounts of Sb without suffering oxidative damage, it could be used for phytoremediation.

Immune differences in captive and free-ranging zebras (Equus zebra and E. quagga)

Wild mammals in ex situ captivity experience substantially different environmental conditions compared to free-ranging conspecifics, e.g., in terms of diet, climatic conditions, social factors, movement space, and direct anthropogenic disturbance. Moreover, animals in captivity frequently undergo management interventions such as medical treatments which may influence pathogen pressure. Captivity is known to affect immunological responses in some terrestrial and marine mammals; however, it is unclear whether this can be generalized to other taxa. Furthermore, little is known about how energetically costly life history stages such as lactation influence the immune system in wildlife. We measured expression of components of the constitutive and induced innate immunity and of the adaptive immune system in plains and mountain zebras (Equus quagga and E. zebra), including lactating and non-lactating individuals. As a proxy for general immune function, we screened for lytic equine herpesvirus (EHV) infection, a common and often latent pathogen which is reactivated in response to stress and immune challenge. Both energetically cheap markers of the constitutive innate immunity were lower in captive than in wild zebras, whereas energetically costly markers of the induced innate immunity were more highly expressed in captive zebras. Lactation was associated with higher titers of natural antibodies and lysozyme. Lytic EHV infection was not significantly correlated with any of the measured immune markers. Our results suggest that captivity and lactation may influence immune functions in zebra mares.

Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of sepsis and neutrophil degranulation of septic shock in surgical patients

Background

Stratification of the severity of infection is currently based on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, which is difficult to calculate outside the ICU. Biomarkers could help to stratify the severity of infection in surgical patients.

Methods

Levels of ten biomarkers indicating endothelial dysfunction, 22 indicating emergency granulopoiesis, and six denoting neutrophil degranulation were compared in three groups of patients in the first 12 h after diagnosis at three Spanish hospitals.

Results

There were 100 patients with infection, 95 with sepsis and 57 with septic shock. Seven biomarkers indicating endothelial dysfunction (mid‐regional proadrenomedullin (MR‐ProADM), syndecan 1, thrombomodulin, angiopoietin 2, endothelial cell‐specific molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and E‐selectin) had stronger associations with sepsis than infection alone. MR‐ProADM had the highest odds ratio (OR) in multivariable analysis (OR 11·53, 95 per cent c.i. 4·15 to 32·08; P = 0·006) and the best area under the curve (AUC) for detecting sepsis (0·86, 95 per cent c.i. 0·80 to 0·91; P < 0·001). In a comparison of sepsis with septic shock, two biomarkers of neutrophil degranulation, proteinase 3 (OR 8·09, 1·34 to 48·91; P = 0·028) and lipocalin 2 (OR 6·62, 2·47 to 17·77; P = 0·002), had the strongest association with septic shock, but lipocalin 2 exhibited the highest AUC (0·81, 0·73 to 0·90; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

MR‐ProADM and lipocalin 2 could be alternatives to the SOFA score in the detection of sepsis and septic shock respectively in surgical patients with infection.

Atlantic bluefin tuna spawn at suboptimal temperatures for their offspring

Life-history traits such as spawning migrations and timing of reproduction are adaptations to specific environmental constraints and seasonal cycles in many organisms' annual routines. In this study we analyse how offspring fitness constrains spawning phenology in a large migratory apex predator, the Atlantic bluefin tuna. The reproductive schedule of Atlantic bluefin tuna varies between spawning sites, suggesting plasticity to local environmental conditions. Generally, temperature is considered to be the main constraint on tuna spawning phenology. We combine evidence from long-term field data, temperature-controlled rearing experiments on eggs and larvae, and a model of egg fitness, and show that Atlantic bluefin tuna do not spawn to optimize egg and larval temperature exposure. The timing of spawning leads to temperature exposure considerably lower than optimal at all spawning grounds across the Atlantic Ocean. The early spawning is constrained by thermal inhibition of egg hatching and larval growth rates, but some other factors must prevent later spawning. Matching offspring with ocean productivity and the prey peak might be an important driver for bluefin tuna spawning phenology. This finding is important for predictions of reproductive timing in future climate warming scenarios for bluefin tuna.

Physiological costs of infection: herpesvirus replication is linked to blood oxidative stress in equids

Viruses may have a dramatic impact on the health of their animal hosts. The patho-physiological mechanisms underlying viral infections in animals are, however, not well understood. It is increasingly recognized that oxidative stress may be a major physiological cost of viral infections. Here we compare three blood-based markers of oxidative status in herpes positive and negative individuals of the domestic horse (Equus ferus caballus) and of both captive and free-ranging Mongolian khulan (Equus hemionus hemionus) and plains zebra (Equus quagga). Herpes positive free-ranging animals had significantly more protein oxidative damage and lower glutathione peroxidase (antioxidant enzyme) than negative ones, providing correlative support for a link between oxidative stress and herpesvirus infection in free-living equids. Conversely, we found weak evidence for oxidative stress in herpes positive captive animals. Hence our work indicates that environment (captive versus free living) might affect the physiological response of equids to herpesvirus infection. The Mongolian khulan and the plains zebra are currently classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Thus, understanding health impacts of pathogens on these species is critical to maintaining viable captive and wild populations.

Evidence of clinical and economic impact of pharmacist interventions related to antimicrobials in the hospital setting

The purpose of this paper was to review the literature regarding the clinical and economic impact of pharmacist interventions (PIs) related to antimicrobials in the hospital setting. A PubMed literature search from January 2003 to March 2016 was conducted using the terms pharmacist* or clinical pharmacist* combined with antimicrobial* or antibiotic* or anti-infective*. Comparative studies that assessed the clinical and/or economic impact of PIs on antimicrobials in the hospital setting were reviewed. Outcomes were classified as: treatment-related outcomes (TROs), clinical outcomes (COs), cost and microbiological outcomes (MOs). Acceptance of pharmacist recommendations by physicians was collected. PIs were grouped into patient-specific recommendations (PSRs), policy, and education. Studies' risk of bias was analyzed using Cochrane's tool. Twenty-three studies were evaluated. All of them had high risk of bias. The design in most cases was uncontrolled before and after. PSRs were included in every study; five also included policy and four education. Significant impact of PI was found in 14 of the 18 studies (77.8%) that evaluated costs, 15 of the 20 studies (75.0%) that assessed TROs, 12 of the 22 studies (54.5%) that analyzed COs, and one of the two studies (50.0%) that evaluated MOs. None of the studies found significant negative impact of PIs. It could not be concluded that adding other strategies to PSRs would improve results. Acceptance of recommendations varied from 70 to 97.5%. Pharmacists improve TROs and COs, and decrease costs. Additional research with a lower risk of bias is unlikely to change this conclusion. Future research should focus on identifying the most efficient interventions.

Dark Matter Search Results from the PICO-60 C_{3}F_{8} Bubble Chamber

New results are reported from the operation of the PICO-60 dark matter detector, a bubble chamber filled with 52 kg of C_{3}F_{8} located in the SNOLAB underground laboratory. As in previous PICO bubble chambers, PICO-60 C_{3}F_{8} exhibits excellent electron recoil and alpha decay rejection, and the observed multiple-scattering neutron rate indicates a single-scatter neutron background of less than one event per month. A blind analysis of an efficiency-corrected 1167-kg day exposure at a 3.3-keV thermodynamic threshold reveals no single-scattering nuclear recoil candidates, consistent with the predicted background. These results set the most stringent direct-detection constraint to date on the weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP)-proton spin-dependent cross section at 3.4×10^{-41}  cm^{2} for a 30-GeV c^{-2} WIMP, more than 1 order of magnitude improvement from previous PICO results.

Abstract P4-21-32: Treatment of early HER2-positive breast cancer in trastuzumab era in everyday clinical practice: An overview after 10 years of its approval

Introduction: The addition of Trastuzumab(T) to chemotherapy (CT) revolutionized HER2-positive breast cancer(BC) and changed its natural history. We reviewed the efficacy of T outside clinical trials in a cancer comprehensive center.

Methods: Ambiespective and descriptive study was conducted in Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO-Barcelona). Estimates of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were obtained with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with LogRank test. The association of clinic-pathological variables and outcome was studied by χ2and Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Results: 430 consecutive early HER2-positive BC patients (pts) were treated with adjuvant/neoadjuvant T and CT from Jan 2005 to Dec 2012. Pt basal characteristics are reported in Table 1. Neoadjuvant treatment was administrated in 230pts (54%) and in 200 (46%) in adjuvancy. Pathological complete response (pCR) in breast and nodes (ypT0/isypN0) was achieved in 48% of pts, with higher rates in hormone receptor (HR)-negative pts (62 vs 37% p=0.0005). Median duration of T: 10.6 months (m). 28%pts treated with neoadjuvant T+CT who achieved a pCR did not receive adjuvant T. Treatment discontinuation: 38pts (8.8%): 27pts due to cardiac toxicity and 4 relapsed during adjuvant T. In 87%pts, neoadjuvant CT was based on anthracyclines(A) and taxanes. Adjuvant CT: A and taxanes in 57.4%; 14%pts FAC, 15.4% A-CMF and 12% TCH. At a median follow-up of 70m (3-135), 44pts (10.4%) had relapsed: 33pts with distant M1, 9pts with only loco-regional disease and 2pts contralateral HER2-positive BC. M1 location: 46% visceral, 34% bone/lymph nodes and 20% in central nervous system (CNS). PFS was 23.4m(0-88); median OS was not reached; estimated 10 years-OS was 86.5%. Pts treated with A and taxanes had a significantly better OS compared to those treated with other CT (113 vs 98m, p= 0.009). Kaplan-Meier curve showed numerically higher relapses at 10 years in HR-positive pts (83 vs 90% p=0.8). Pts with pCR had significantly better OS (113 vs 104m, p=0.006). Pts with CNS-metastases had a significantly worse OS (13 vs 26m,p=0,02) and those with HR-negative (49 vs 24m, p= 0.033).

Conclusion: In everyday clinical practice, recurrences after adjuvant/neoadjuvant trastuzumab in HER2-positive BC were less than described in the T-pivotals trials, with 10% of recurrences at a median of FU of 70m. In our series, estimated 10 years-OS was 86.5%. Pts treated with A and taxanes had a significantly better OS as well as those pts who achieved a pCR. On the contrary, pts with CNS M1 and those with HR-negative had worse prognosis.

Table 1Median age51.9y (27-83)Stage I/II/III106 (25%)/ 226 (52%)/ 97 (23%)HR Positive/ Negative249 (58%)/181 (42%)

Citation Format: Ortega A, Domenech M, Falo C, Gil M, Stradella A, Fernandez A, Morilla I, Villanueva R, Castany R, Vazquez S, Molina K, Bergamino M, Navarro V, Pernas S. Treatment of early HER2-positive breast cancer in trastuzumab era in everyday clinical practice: An overview after 10 years of its approval [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-21-32.

Comparing the effects of endogenous and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists on survival of gastric cancer cells

AIMS

Anti-neoplastic activity induced by cannabinoids has been extensively documented for a number of cancer cell types; however, this topic has been explored in gastric cancer cells only in a limited number of approaches. Thus, the need of integrative and comparative studies still persists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study we tested and compared the effects of three different cannabinoid receptor agonists-anandamide (AEA), (R)-(+)-methanandamide (Meth-AEA) and CP 55,940 (CP)- on gastric cancer cell morphology, viability and death events in order to provide new insights to the use of these agents for therapeutic purposes.

KEY FINDINGS

The three agents tested exhibited similar concentration-dependent effects in the induction of changes in cell morphology and cell loss, as well as in the decrease of cell viability and DNA laddering in the human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). Differences among the cannabinoids tested were mostly observed in the density of cells found in early and late apoptosis and necrosis, favoring AEA and CP as the more effective inducers of apoptotic mechanisms, and Meth-AEA as a more effective inducer of necrosis through transient and rapid apoptosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Through a comparative approach, our results support and confirm the therapeutic potential that cannabinoid receptor agonists exert in gastric cancer cells and open possibilities to use cannabinoids as part of a new gastric cancer therapy.

Clinical experience with desflurane for paediatric anaesthesia outside the operating room

BACKGROUND

Desflurane has been used in paediatric patients for several surgical indications. This article analyses the efficacy and safety of desflurane for diagnostic-therapeutic procedures in remote areas far from operating room in a group of selected patients with no known associated respiratory disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 2,072 general anaesthesia procedures stored in a computer database, in which desflurane was used in a Paediatric Pain Unit during the years 2013 and 2014. An analysis was also performed using the patient demographics, type of procedure, anaesthetic technique, type of airway management, patient cooperation, and incidence of anaesthetic complications.

RESULTS

The study included 876 patients, with a mean age of 8.8 years. The main procedures were bone marrow aspirates (23%), lumbar punctures (20%), panendoscopies (15%), and colonoscopies (5%). Induction was intravenous with propofol (26%) or inhalation with sevoflurane in the remaining 74%. Maintenance consisted of remifentanil and desflurane at mean end tidal concentrations of 6.2±2.1%. The airway was managed through a nasal cannula or face mask in spontaneous ventilation. The effectiveness was 98%, and the incidence of side effects was 15%, which included agitation (6%), headache (4%), nausea-vomiting (3%), and laryngospasm (2%).

CONCLUSION

The maintenance with desflurane (at concentrations close to the hypnotic-MAC in spontaneous ventilation) was effective, with a rapid recovery, and with a low incidence of adverse effects.

On the effects of CP 55-940 and other cannabinoid receptor agonists in C6 and U373 cell lines

Cannabinoid receptor (CBs) agonists affect the growth of tumor cells via activation of deadly cascades. The spectrum of action of these agents and the precise role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) on oncogenic processes remain elusive. Herein we compared the effects of synthetic (CP 55-940 and WIN 55,212-2) and endogenous (anandamide or AEA) CBs agonists (10-20 μM) on morphological changes, cell viability, and induction of apoptosis in primary astrocytes and in two glioblastoma cell lines (C6 and U373 cells) in order to characterize their possible differential actions on brain tumor cells. None of the CBs agonist tested induced changes in cell viability or morphology in primary astrocytes. In contrast, CP 55-940 significantly decreased cell viability in C6 and U373 cells at 5 days of treatment, whereas AEA and WIN 55,212-2 moderately decreased cell viability in both cell lines. Treatment of U373 and C6 for 3 and 5 days with AEA or WIN 55,212-2 produced discrete morphological changes in cell bodies, whereas the exposure to CP 55-940 induced soma degradation. CP 55-940 also induced apoptosis in both C6 and U373 cell lines. Our results support a more effective action of CP 55-940 to produce cell death of both cell lines through apoptotic mechanisms. Comparative aspects between cannabinoids with different profiles are necessary for the design of potential treatments against glial tumors.

A checklist for critical appraisal of indirect comparisons

The aim of this study was to develop a user-friendly checklist for critical appraisal of indirect comparisons of drugs, considering clinical, methodological/statistical and quality aspects, mainly to be applied in drug evaluation in the decision-making context. After conducting a review of the literature, we used group consensus to establish the key points of the checklist, focusing mainly on indirect comparisons, but including topics related to network meta-analysis or multiple treatment comparisons. The coordinating group elaborated the first draft, which was reviewed by external experts, re-evaluated by the coordinating group and finally assessed by 23 drug evaluation experts trained in indirect comparisons, who applied the checklist to one study. The Kappa index of agreement was calculated and the final checklist was developed by group consensus including the external experts. The checklist has two parts. The first consists of three eliminatory key questions while the second includes 17 items: 5 regarding quality, 5 regarding clinical issues and 7 dealing with methodology/statistics. The median kappa values of the 23 evaluations were 0.83 (range 0.67-0.93), 0.61 (0.54-0.91) and 0.36 (0.22-1) with regard to quality, clinical aspects and methodology/statistics, respectively. A structured checklist was developed to facilitate critical appraisal of key issues in indirect comparisons, including comments for assessing the consequences of its application to drug evaluation in the decision-making context. Agreement between reviewers in clinical and quality items was good, but weaker in methodology/statistics ones.

Hepatotoxicity associated with statin use: analysis of the cases included in the Spanish Hepatotoxicity Registry

OBJECTIVES

The hepatotoxic potential of statins is controversial. The objectives of this study were to describe the relative frequency of hepatotoxicity caused by statins and the phenotypes found in Spain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The incidence of hepatotoxicity attributed to statins in the Spanish Hepatotoxicity Registry (REH) were studied and compared with those attributed to other drugs.

RESULTS

Between April 1994 and August 2012, the REH included a total of 858 cases of which 47 (5.5 %) were attributed to statins. Of these, 16 were due to atorvastatin (34 %); 13 to simvastatin (27.7 %); 12 to fluvastatin (25.5 %); 4 to lovastatin (8.5 %) and 2 to pravastatin (4.3 %). Statins represented approximately half of the cardiovascular group which occupied 3rd place (10 %), after anti-infectious agents (37 %) and central nervous system drugs (14 %). The hepatocellular pattern was predominant, especially in the simvastatin group (85%), the cholestatic/mixed pattern was more frequent with fluvastatin (66 %) and had a similar distribution to atorvastatin. Patients with statin-induced toxicity were older (62 years versus 53 years, p < 0.001) and more often demonstrated anautoimmune hepatitis phenotype (8.5 % versus 1.4 %, p < 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Statins are not a common cause of hepatotoxicity in Spain. Atorvastatin is the statin involved in the greatest number of incidents. The liver injury pattern varies among the different statins. The hepatitis phenotype with autoimmune features appears to be a characteristic signature of statin-induced hepatotoxicity.

ROCK1 translocates from non-caveolar to caveolar regions upon KCl stimulation in airway smooth muscle

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) membrane depolarization through KCl opens L-type voltage dependent Ca2+ channels (Ca(v)1.2); its opening was considered the cause of KCl contraction. This substance is used to bypass intracellular second messenger pathways. It is now clear that KCl also activates RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway. ROCK isoforms are characterized as ROCK1 and ROCK2. Because ROCK1 seems the most abundant isotype in lung, we studied its participation in KCl stimulated bovine ASM. With methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) we disrupted caveolae, a membrane compartment considered as the RhoA/ROCK assembly site, and found that KCl contraction was reduced to the same extent (~26%) as Y-27632 (ROCK inhibitor) treated tissues. We confirmed that KCl induces ROCK activation and this effect was annulled by Y-27632 or MbetaCD. In isolated plasmalemma, ROCK1 was localized in non-caveolar membrane fractions in Western blots from control tissues, but it transferred to caveolae in samples from tissues stimulated with KCl. Ca(v)1.2 was found at the non-caveolar membrane fractions in control and MbetaCD treated tissues. In MbetaCD treated tissues stimulated with KCl, contraction was abolished by nifedipine; only the response to Ca(v)1.2 opening remained as the ROCK component disappeared. Our results show that, in ASM, the KCl contraction involves the translocation of ROCK1 from non-caveolar to caveolar regions and that the proper physiological response depends on this translocation.

Outcome of acute renal injury in diabetic mice with experimental endotoxemia: role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α

The role of diabetic nephropathy in the outcome of acute renal injury (AKI) is not well defined. Herein we evaluate the outcome of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced AKI in streptozotocin-induced diabetes, as well as the potential role of Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF-1 α ) in this condition. Although 6 h after LPS injection all mice developed a decrease in renal function, proteinuric diabetic mice showed a better recovery of this parameter throughout the study (72 h). Both HIF-1 α and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) were found to be upregulated in diabetic mice. After LPS injection, all animals showed an upregulation of these factors, although it was higher in the diabetic group. Glycated albumin (GA) was found to upregulate HIF-1 α in HK-2 cells, which resulted in increased production of VEGF. Interestingly, LPS cooperated with GA to induce HIF-1 α upregulation. In conclusion, diabetic mice display a better recovery of AKI after experimental endotoxemia. Moreover, these animals showed an increased expression of both HIF-1 α and VEGF that was reproduced by incubating renal cells with GA. Since VEGF is considered a survival factor for tubular cells, our findings suggest that diabetes displays HIF-1 α upregulation that might function as a "precondition state" offering protection from endotoxic AKI.

Distribution patterns of invasive Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) in an urban habitat

Several invasive species have been shown to have a marked preference for urban habitats. The study of the variables responsible for the distribution of these species within urban habitats should allow to predict which environmental variables are indicative of preferred habitat, and to design landscape characteristics that make these areas less conducive to these species. The Monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus is an invasive species in many American and European countries, and cities are one of its most usual habitats in invaded areas. The aim of this paper was to identify the main factors that determine distribution of the Monk parakeet in Barcelona, one of the cities in the world with the highest parakeet density. We defined our model based on eight preselected variables using a generalized linear model (GLZ) and evaluated the strength of support for each model using the AIC–based multi–model inference approach. We used parakeet density as a dependent variable, and an analysis restricted to occupied neighbourhoods provided a model with two key variables to explain the distribution of the species. Monk parakeets were more abundant in neighbourhoods with a high density of trees and a high percentage of people over 65 years. This is interpreted by the fact that parakeets use trees as food sources and support for the nests, and that older people often feed the species. Data support the ‘human–activity’ hypothesis to explain how invasive species can successfully establish in a non–native habitat, and stress how limiting food resources, especially food supplied by humans, may be the easiest way to exert some control on Monk parakeet populations.

Mode-resolved travel-time statistics for elastic rays in three-dimensional billiards

We consider the ray limit of propagating ultrasound waves in three-dimensional bodies made from a homogeneous, isotropic, elastic material. Using a Monte Carlo approach, we simulate the propagation and proliferation of elastic rays using realistic angle-dependent reflection coefficients, taking into account mode conversion and ray splitting. For a few simple geometries, we analyze the long-time equilibrium distribution, focusing on the energy ratio between compressional and shear waves. Finally, we study the travel time statistics, i.e., the distribution of the amount of time a given trajectory spends as a compressional wave, as compared to the total travel time. These results are intimately related to recent elastodynamics experiments on Coda-wave interferometry by Lobkis and Weaver [Phys. Rev. E 78, 066212 (2008)].

Prediction of hydrodynamic and other solution properties of rigid proteins from atomic- and residue-level models

Here we extend the ability to predict hydrodynamic coefficients and other solution properties of rigid macromolecular structures from atomic-level structures, implemented in the computer program HYDROPRO, to models with lower, residue-level resolution. Whereas in the former case there is one bead per nonhydrogen atom, the latter contains one bead per amino acid (or nucleotide) residue, thus allowing calculations when atomic resolution is not available or coarse-grained models are preferred. We parameterized the effective hydrodynamic radius of the elements in the atomic- and residue-level models using a very large set of experimental data for translational and rotational coefficients (intrinsic viscosity and radius of gyration) for >50 proteins. We also extended the calculations to very large proteins and macromolecular complexes, such as the whole 70S ribosome. We show that with proper parameterization, the two levels of resolution yield similar and rather good agreement with experimental data. The new version of HYDROPRO, in addition to considering various computational and modeling schemes, is far more efficient computationally and can be handled with the use of a graphical interface.

[Weight status, dietary habits and physical activity among 6-12 year-old children in Castile-La Mancha]

INTRODUCTION

Childhood obesity is a multifactorial disease, in which unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles play a decisive role. The aim of this study was to assess the weight status, dietary habits and physical activity in Castile-La Mancha children.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 3061 children 6-12 years-old who were participating in the programme, "Alimenta su salud". Anthropometric measurements, food consumption frequency, dietary habits and physical activity were assessed by a questionnaire, including gender, age and geographical influences.

RESULTS

The prevalence of subjects with excess weight-for-height was 24.0% and obesity was 14.3%, with geographical differences. Girls more often have mid-morning snacks, consume more supplements, and reported to be less active than boys. Special diets and sports activities were lower in children aged 6-9 years as compared to the 10-12 years old group. The intake of vegetables and fruit is low, while there is overconsumption of sausages, pastries, salted snacks, sweets and fast food, with some differences by age group.

CONCLUSIONS

One out of four children is overweight or obese in this population. Children do not meet recommendations for fruit and vegetables and there is a high consumption of foods associated with obesity risk. Physical inactivity was more prevalent during the weekends, and among girls.

The use of foetal ovarian stromal cell culture for cytogenetic diagnosis. Stromal ovarian culture cytogenetic diagnosis

Some studies have been carried out to analyze human female first meiotic prophase. Most of them use samples from foetuses collected after legal interruption of pregnancy. In some cases, a control population is needed and foetuses aborted for non-chromosomal reasons are used. The assumption of these samples as being euploids could perhaps represent an error. In this article, we describe an easy methodology to certify the euploidy of foetal ovarian tissue using an one-week somatic culture. Using this protocol, we have obtained a primary culture in 88.2% of the studied cases, material usable for being karyotyped in 93.3% of the cases, and a cytogenetic diagnosis was performed in 100% of these cases. Finding the same karyotype in cultured cells in cases in which we had a prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis has validated the technique, and in applying this protocol we have been able to check our prophase meiotic-study control population.

Brownian dynamics simulation of analytical ultracentrifugation experiments

BACKGROUND

We have devised a protocol for the Brownian dynamics simulation of an analytical ultracentrifugation experiment that allows for an accurate and efficient prediction of the time-dependent concentration profiles, c(r, t) in the ultracentrifuge cell. The procedure accounts for the back-diffusion, described as a Brownian motion that superimposes to the centrifugal drift, and considers the sector-shaped geometry of the cell and the boundaries imposed by the meniscus and bottom.

RESULTS

Simulations are carried out for four molecules covering a wide range of the ratio of sedimentation and diffusion coefficients. The evaluation is done by extracting the molecular parameters that were initially employed in the simulation by analyzing the profiles with an independent tool, the well-proved SEDFIT software. The code of simulation algorithm has been parallelized in order to take advantage of current multi-core computers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our Brownian dynamics simulation procedure may be considered as an alternative to other predictors based in numerical solutions of the Lamm equation, and its efficiency could make it useful in the most relevant, inverse problem, which is that of extracting the molecular parameters from experimentally determined concentration profiles.

Global fit and structure optimization of flexible and rigid macromolecules and nanoparticles from analytical ultracentrifugation and other dilute solution properties

The calculation of hydrodynamic and other solution properties from structural information (size and shape or flexibility) of macromolecules and nanoparticles is feasible thanks to existing theories and computational tools. Here we review our recent advances in the inverse problem of extracting structural information from those properties. The concepts of equivalent radii and ratios of radii are particularly useful in global-fitting structural analysis, when one has to treat simultaneously with various properties, eventually for a series of samples. Based on the equivalent radii or their ratios, we define target functions that measure the adequacy of a given structure to fit a set of experimental properties. Structural determination is carried out by minimization of those target functions. We review a variety of examples. Some of them refer to the simple, yet important models like ellipsoids, cylinders and wormlike chains, whose structure is determined by optimization of the model parameters. In other, more complex cases, properties are calculated with computational tools like programs in the HYDRO suite. We have devised other tools to make the structure optimization from the results of those calculations in a quite direct, simple and systematic manner.

Oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease hippocampus: a topographical study

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE) are molecules related to oxidative stress demonstrated in aging and in several pathological disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aging has been considered the main risk factor for AD. Amyloid deposits (Aβ-D) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) are pathological changes related to AD involving hippocampal regions. Different degrees of AD pathology have been described according to distribution of NFTs in different topographical regions of hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The hippocampus shows a selective vulnerability under several noxes especially those including hypoxia. Hypoxia in the nervous tissue induces oxidative stress. In an attempt to find out more about anatomical distribution of the oxidative stress through hippocampal regions in AD, a collection of brains were studied. Samples from deceased patients who had suffered from AD and from age-matched controls were immunohistochemically studied with AGE and RAGE antibodies according to a topographical division of the hippocampus and brain cortical regions. Results suggest that an oxidative stress pathway starts in the CA3 sector progresses to CA1 and then continues to other hippocampal and cortical areas building a pathoclitic pathway for Alzheimer's disease progression.